Carob Tree

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

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Users say
(20)

4 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Carob Tree’s big contemporary dining room (red drapes, white pillars, lots of wood) was rammed on our midweek visit, so much so that a slightly late arrival caused our table to be given away. Not a problem: we were seated by the bar with a drink until another came up. Which gave us time to listen to multi-generational families chatting in Greek, and big birthday groups knocking back Cypriot Keo beer.

The crowds, high ceilings and open-plan layout (the building was once a pub) combine to make pretty lousy acoustics – nothing, however, that can’t be compensated by attentive service and a plate of carefully sourced (breeds and butchers are name-checked) charcoal-grilled meat. Gloucester Old Spot souvláki was a shining example, while a generous portion of neatly butterflied grilled prawns was freshly flavoured simplicity at its best. A cold mezédes selection showcased perfect taramosaláta and tzatzíki among a few duds (dark-brown, tasteless melitzanosaláta; briny peppers that tasted as if they’d come straight from a tin).

The management seems to be missing a trick by offering such a limited Greek wine selection (just two whites and one red), but it’s the friendly, neighbourhood vibe that keeps Carob Tree packed until closing time.

Wonderful food especially the Lamb Souvlaki an Calamari . Very warm and inviting everyone has time for you . Having been many times the standard of food in consistently superb. Can highly recommend this delightful place to relax and enjoy all their wonderful food.

Over priced, mediocre food that falls well below the standard of the genuine article in Greece and is about three times more expensive. This was a noisy stressful evening out not to be repeated in a hurry, I'm sorry to say.

Very disappointed with the Carob Tree HIighgate ......i had heard it was a nice place to go for lunch...went last weekend..
Staff were freindly enough no complaints throughout the meal apart from as soon as i had paid my bill they were pushing me out the door, requested we hurry up as they required the table....literally 5mins after i paid the bill, we still had wine in tour glasses..but for me the biggest problem was the price and what you got for the price....i has requested the lamb chop main £15.95....when ordering i asked what it came with (chips, Rice, Salad)...i was told it came with nothing....if i wanted chips,rice or salad then you had to pay additional...i think i paid £4.00 for the chips..
When the main came I taken aback by the presentation....I got 4 plain avaerage size chops, on a small plate, nothing else on the plain......and a bowl of chips, chips i could not really fit on the plate as the chops took over the small plate.....the food was nothing special.....competely under whelmed ......the chops were certainly not worth £15.94.....would not recommend the place to friends in the future.......never again.....BIG LET DOWN.......

Refreshing to go to a Greek restaurant that is not stuck in a 1970s timewarp
The service was efficient and knowledgeable the food was fresh and tasty and the atmosphere was happy
Was my first visit but will definitely will not be my last 10/10

The best greek Cypriot restaurant in London excellent service buzzy atmosphere great fresh and tasty food and good value for money
Have been coming here since it first opened in 2009 and have found it consistent on all accounts the fish is especially good if not on a budget otherwise plenty of other menu items to suit all budgets
Excellent !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been to this restaurant several times and oh my god the food it's amazing ... You can taste the freshness of the ingredients awesome wine too!!! Great service and the staff it's always very friendly!!! I defently recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves good food and a great atmosphere...

Took my mother and family for a mothers day lunch and cannot believe what a great time we had the restaurant was full of families having a great time and the service was helpful informative and always attentive. We opted for the meze starters followed by a selection of grilled meats and fish with salad and rounded the meal of with Greek coffee and complimentary baklava. What can I say absolutely excellent fresh food simply done with good old fashioned service that is hard to find these days.good luck to the carob tree they deserve their success.

i have been to the carob tree twice.1st with husband had fish which was very basic and a Greek salad which was very poor(im not greek but my Greek salads are very good)2 nd time for a hen night service very poor meze for every one which they recommended some had drinks we were amazed at the final bill !!!!!! could not believe it.won' be going ever again.

Visited carob tree last night with friends and was very impressed with the quality of produce used and presentation of the dishes. To put it simply it is good food based on good ingredients not hiding under sauces and polite and attentive service
Highly recommend

We're regulars and can't get enough of the place. They always use the freshest ingredients - really, really superb fish on the charcoal grill, always good sized portions.
A good sign that they close up between Christmas and New Year due to the fact they can't get hold of the quality of food they need.
Like all good Greek restaurants The Carob Tree is really family friendly - kids are very welcome. And it's full of North London Greeks, that's also got to be pretty telling.

Wow! Wife and I had superb evening at Carobs Tree last night. It was our first time there and it was better than we expected even though it was highly recommended long time ago by few of our friends. It started with very worm welcome by the owner and his staff so they easily get 10/10 for that. I have been in restaurants with better athmosphere and interior design but spending the night at Carob Tree will not going to make you feel out of place no mater how posh or fussy you are so I would still rate it with very high 8.5/10. They have very friendly but profesional staff with impeccable manners and knowledge of what this place can offer. Their mix of providing excellent service without being very intrusive is just about perfect which is always a bonus if you are trying to have some meaningful conversation with whoever you are spending the evening with therefore staff gets 10/10. Undoubtably the star man and the heart beat of this great restaurant is (Louie) the owner himself who we thought was a real character, extremly friendly and welcoming person so he gets at least 11/10 from us. When it comes to food we ordered grilled king prawns for starters and seabass/halibut fish for mains with potato salads which was 100% right down to our taste...absolutely delicious!!! The fish was very very fresh and cooked/grilled to perfection with no gimmicks just plain and simple like it should be. The quality of the fish was remarkable considering this is not fish only restaurant and the portions are big enough to fill up nicely even the hungriest, which is not always the case with fish dishes. When you top that with excellent range of white wines they have on offer you really will struggle to find much more enjoyable meal no matter where you are in the world. We even received small complimentary dessert from the owner which was just "iceing on the cake" moment for us. For food/drink experience it's an easy 10/10...absolutely fantastic. It's not the cheapest place you can find but with the standard they offer it still makes them a great value restaurant also there is enough choice on the menu to suit anyone's budget. All in all we had wonderful night out and by picking Carob Tree as our destination for the evening I'm sure I scored few important points with my better half which in my view is priceless...I'm sure all gents will agree. It felt like we went to our friends house for a dinner and considering this was our first time there I think it really speaks for itself. Needless to say we are definitely coming back for more in the near future and we can't wait to try something else on their menu next time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Ate at the carob on Tuesday night on the terrace the restaurant was full inside and outside yet the staff were relaxed and friendly under the pressure of serving and looking after everyone.The food was as usual excellent plain grilled good quality fish and tasty salad rounded off with juicy watermelon.really nice evening had by all.Highly recommended.